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Sons of Somerset #2
The Stable Master's Son
She always dreamed of marrying a gentleman, not someone from the stables.
Edmund Jenkins’ life is on track. Through hard work and a fair amount of luck, he now owns an estate, and his horses are renowned throughout Somerset. His breeding business is on track to expand and everything as it should be. That is until he meets Miss Carter. His attraction to her is strong and immediate, but she cannot seem to see him as anything other than a groom.
As the daughter of a baron, Miss Elizabeth Carter never thought she would be a spinster, let alone have to work as a governess. When Lord Duhurst seems willing to make her an offer, complete with an estate and a title, Elizabeth is ready to seize the opportunity with both hands. If only she could stop thinking on Mr. Jenkins. He is not the man of her dreams. Or is he? But how could she ever make the life she had dreamed of with a man barely better off than servant?
As the time draws near for the banns to be posted, Elizabeth must decide if security or love is more important.
Sons of Somerset: A Clean Regency Romance Series
Can five working class men find love on the job?
This is the second book in the clean and sweet Regency romance Sons of Somerset series. Although this working class romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order.
Book 1: Carving for Miss Coventry by Deborah M. Hathaway
Book 2: The Stable Master's Son by Mindy Burbidge Strunk
Book 3: In Pursuit of the Painter by Ashtyn Newbold
Book 4: An Agreeable Alliance by Kasey Stockton
Book 5: The Highwayman's Letter by Martha Keyes
Edmund Jenkins’ life is on track. Through hard work and a fair amount of luck, he now owns an estate, and his horses are renowned throughout Somerset. His breeding business is on track to expand and everything as it should be. That is until he meets Miss Carter. His attraction to her is strong and immediate, but she cannot seem to see him as anything other than a groom.
As the daughter of a baron, Miss Elizabeth Carter never thought she would be a spinster, let alone have to work as a governess. When Lord Duhurst seems willing to make her an offer, complete with an estate and a title, Elizabeth is ready to seize the opportunity with both hands. If only she could stop thinking on Mr. Jenkins. He is not the man of her dreams. Or is he? But how could she ever make the life she had dreamed of with a man barely better off than servant?
As the time draws near for the banns to be posted, Elizabeth must decide if security or love is more important.
Sons of Somerset: A Clean Regency Romance Series
Can five working class men find love on the job?
This is the second book in the clean and sweet Regency romance Sons of Somerset series. Although this working class romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order.
Book 1: Carving for Miss Coventry by Deborah M. Hathaway
Book 2: The Stable Master's Son by Mindy Burbidge Strunk
Book 3: In Pursuit of the Painter by Ashtyn Newbold
Book 4: An Agreeable Alliance by Kasey Stockton
Book 5: The Highwayman's Letter by Martha Keyes
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2021
166 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 1, 2022
Много са приятни тези истории! По увлекателен, ненатрапчив и деликатен начин показват героите , намеренията и притесненията им , добре познати и на нас. Историческата епоха и географската разположеност на действието също ми допадат. Онези времена с техните обществени порядки и политическите моменти сега изглеждат малко непонятни. Но тогава са определяли живота на хората и доста често са се оказвали решаващи за сърдечните трепети и за щастливия им живот. Четейки перипетиите на Филип и Елизабет , постоянно си мислех : " Милите герои!" Толкова много колебание и несигурност, въпреки упоритата им работа , въпреки нуждата им от осигуреност и в чувствата на другия. Кое е правилно да се направи? Дали ще е достатъчно в очите на висшето общество? И могат ли да продължат напред без емоционалното и физическо присъствие на другия?
Всеки час с The Stable Master's son ми донесе удоволствие!
Всеки час с The Stable Master's son ми донесе удоволствие!
October 10, 2021
Well, I'm glad this is over. I am all for lighthearted romance stories and I can overlook some historical inaccuracies, but this story was just too implausible.
A gouverness who is invited to a house party and always seems to be more concerned with socializing rather than educating her charges? A six year old who talks like a grown up? And don't get me started on the way the two (or three?) year old talks. I can't enjoy a story with such dialogue. Really, have you ever heard a real child? I am working with children in this age group and I know how they begin to shape words and string them together to their first sentences - and believe me, it does not sound like this.
Sadly the characters did not satisfy me either. They are rather shallow and the inner monologues of the m and f lead (why, oh why does his presence affect me so?) made me roll my eyes several times. I just could not connect with them at all.
A gouverness who is invited to a house party and always seems to be more concerned with socializing rather than educating her charges? A six year old who talks like a grown up? And don't get me started on the way the two (or three?) year old talks. I can't enjoy a story with such dialogue. Really, have you ever heard a real child? I am working with children in this age group and I know how they begin to shape words and string them together to their first sentences - and believe me, it does not sound like this.
Sadly the characters did not satisfy me either. They are rather shallow and the inner monologues of the m and f lead (why, oh why does his presence affect me so?) made me roll my eyes several times. I just could not connect with them at all.
January 24, 2025
Loved every second of it…
Dang, that was an intense rollercoaster ride. Although I expected a happy ending, I was worried for a second or four. Wonderful love story and a great read.
Dang, that was an intense rollercoaster ride. Although I expected a happy ending, I was worried for a second or four. Wonderful love story and a great read.
Want to read
August 18, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
August 19, 2021
Loved it!
4.5 stars! This was a lovely book and my favorite by this author so far! I loved the story and the twists it took. Great characters! Looking forward to the next book!
4.5 stars! This was a lovely book and my favorite by this author so far! I loved the story and the twists it took. Great characters! Looking forward to the next book!
August 5, 2022
FRUSTRATION STATION.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I really wanted to love this. It just hit the mark on many things that I found myself skimming most of the book.
I did like Phillip. He felt like a real character who knew what he wanted and worked hard towards those goals. I like that Phillip made mistakes but also could apologize. He had some sweet moments with Elle and I was really pulling for him to see things through for his horses.
For Elle I felt eternally frustrated with her. She was wishy washy and hemming and hawing over every little thing Phillip (or anyone) did or said to her. I wanted her convictions to come through sooner and not in the closing chapter.
Phillip and Elle seemed to have chemistry, but for both of them, I felt like they were too involved in their own personal storylines. They took awhile to cross paths enough for me to be truly swept up in their romance. It’s a very short book and more purpose could’ve been put into the main plot line.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents, stealing assets, impersonation and identity theft
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I really wanted to love this. It just hit the mark on many things that I found myself skimming most of the book.
I did like Phillip. He felt like a real character who knew what he wanted and worked hard towards those goals. I like that Phillip made mistakes but also could apologize. He had some sweet moments with Elle and I was really pulling for him to see things through for his horses.
For Elle I felt eternally frustrated with her. She was wishy washy and hemming and hawing over every little thing Phillip (or anyone) did or said to her. I wanted her convictions to come through sooner and not in the closing chapter.
Phillip and Elle seemed to have chemistry, but for both of them, I felt like they were too involved in their own personal storylines. They took awhile to cross paths enough for me to be truly swept up in their romance. It’s a very short book and more purpose could’ve been put into the main plot line.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents, stealing assets, impersonation and identity theft
October 21, 2021
Haha, I did not realize that all the books in this series are written by different authors. I was confused at why this one felt a little different from the first one. Still really enjoyable.
This was an interesting plot because the man in question was not a part of the higher class, but he was striving to become a part of it. I thoroughly enjoyed the two main characters. The heroine could be a bit annoying at the beginning. But as she changed to see that being higher class didn't necessarily bring happiness, I grew to really like her. It was the same with the hero. He was so focused at the beginning on making money, but over time I really grew to like him.
It was a sweet romance and I love how they all the books in the series tie together at the cricket match. It makes me excited to learn about all these authors that are new to me!
This was an interesting plot because the man in question was not a part of the higher class, but he was striving to become a part of it. I thoroughly enjoyed the two main characters. The heroine could be a bit annoying at the beginning. But as she changed to see that being higher class didn't necessarily bring happiness, I grew to really like her. It was the same with the hero. He was so focused at the beginning on making money, but over time I really grew to like him.
It was a sweet romance and I love how they all the books in the series tie together at the cricket match. It makes me excited to learn about all these authors that are new to me!
August 15, 2021
When I read stories like this I am often frustrated with Society and what the ton feels is right and proper. I enjoy reading this time period, but I am so glad I was born in the 20th century. Elle has dropped below her previous station in the eyes of Society while Phillip is trying to climb out of his lower station. They both have struggles of differing degrees, but I think it helps them love each other all the more. I really enjoyed their characters and their growth.
August 16, 2021
A refreshingly unique romance and a fantastic addition to the Sons of Somerset series!
Philip has worked to make his stables successful and to pull his family out of the lower class. Elizabeth once belonged to high society but misfortune has forced her to accept the post of a governess until she is faced with an impossible decision between love and security.
This book had great characters with good hearts, an interesting storyline, sweet romance, and a couple of crazy plot twists! I loved that it started with the same cricket match from the first book in the series.
4.5 stars for this fun regency romance that may just be my new favorite book from this author! Can't wait to read more from this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
Philip has worked to make his stables successful and to pull his family out of the lower class. Elizabeth once belonged to high society but misfortune has forced her to accept the post of a governess until she is faced with an impossible decision between love and security.
This book had great characters with good hearts, an interesting storyline, sweet romance, and a couple of crazy plot twists! I loved that it started with the same cricket match from the first book in the series.
4.5 stars for this fun regency romance that may just be my new favorite book from this author! Can't wait to read more from this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
December 6, 2024
This was a unique regency romance. Philip is working hard in his stables to pull his family out of middle class while Elizabeth, once a part of the upper class, has been forced to be a governess. It really showed the differences that social classes had and you could understand the struggle of Elizabeth deciding between love and security. Great story with great characters.
December 21, 2021
At War With Ones Self💔
Clean Regency Romance 💕 and Countryside🏰🐎 Adventure.
Elle💃💋, the daughter of a Nobleman, must take a job as a governess when her brother says her late father lost her dowry and an unentailed estate 🏰that was part of her dowry. She loves the two children she is teaching, but yearns for more.
When she meets Phillip Jenkins🐺🐎, a struggling horse breeder, she falls in love 💘, but an offer from a haughty Duke, makes her think she should take it👰 instead.
This is a very well written CLEAN Regency Romance 💕 that was a real pleasure to read!
I think this is the first book by author Strunk📚 I have read, but it won't be the last. I got this novel with Amazon 📚 KU.
Clean Regency Romance 💕 and Countryside🏰🐎 Adventure.
Elle💃💋, the daughter of a Nobleman, must take a job as a governess when her brother says her late father lost her dowry and an unentailed estate 🏰that was part of her dowry. She loves the two children she is teaching, but yearns for more.
When she meets Phillip Jenkins🐺🐎, a struggling horse breeder, she falls in love 💘, but an offer from a haughty Duke, makes her think she should take it👰 instead.
This is a very well written CLEAN Regency Romance 💕 that was a real pleasure to read!
I think this is the first book by author Strunk📚 I have read, but it won't be the last. I got this novel with Amazon 📚 KU.
August 27, 2021
This is a wonderful sweet and clean Regency Romance I really enjoyed!
Philip Jenkins is a determined man that wants to thrive in the horse breeding business. He knows what poverty is, and through his hard work and generosity he now owns a decent Estate with a Stable renowned in Somerset that he is working to make more profitable and prestigious through all of England. After 8 years, even if he has come far for being the son of a Stable Master, he still struggles to make ends meet, but he’s on the verge of turning things to his favor, if only the Duke of Lamont, who’s attending a House Party at his neighbor´s estate would take interest in his fine breed and best race horse Blackstorm. His family’s well-being depends on his success.
Elizabeth (Elle) Carter, the daughter of a Viscount, never imagined she would lose her sheltered life and status in society, after her father, and later his brother’s, ill-managing of their fortune. Her dowry is gone, and thankfully, she has found a job as a governess to three children of a well-respected family of the ton. Even if she has a roof over her head and her needs met, her life will never be the same as she will never find a suitable husband in her new lower station, and the sting of rejection awaits her at every turn.
But when she attends a House Party with the family that employs her, she is quickly attracted to the mysterious owner of the neighboring estate. But she’s surprised to find out he attends to his own horses, as a groom and owner at the same time, she realizes he’s not the wealthy man she dreams of marrying, even if he’s always the gentleman, and his kind heart and simplicity calls to her more than anyone she has ever met.
Philip realizes Miss Carter can aid him in enticing the Duke to buy his best horse before the Party ends, and tries to get her attention and asks for her help. As they both get to know each other, a budding friendship blossoms between them with a fast growing attraction that surprises both. But is it too late, when he realizes she’s more than an ally in reaching his professional goals?
As the Party reaches an end, and separation is imminent, they both must decide what is most important for them: status, prestige, security, or the love that comes once in a lifetime?
This is a very worthy read. I loved the characters: Elle’s kind heart and her struggle in belonging, her love of the children; Philip’s determination to succeed and make a way for his family, his simplicity and his kind heart too. I loved the children Elle had to take care of, especially four-year-old Sophia’s antics and love of horses. Philip and Elle both faced rejection from high society, but they grow better and more compassionate to others from it. The romance is very sweet; they fall for each other fast, but I loved that everything was clean and tender. There’s an inspiring message behind about what’s important in life and about where worthiness come from.
I definitely recommend this book to Regency Romance lovers! It’s a delightful and sweet read!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Philip Jenkins is a determined man that wants to thrive in the horse breeding business. He knows what poverty is, and through his hard work and generosity he now owns a decent Estate with a Stable renowned in Somerset that he is working to make more profitable and prestigious through all of England. After 8 years, even if he has come far for being the son of a Stable Master, he still struggles to make ends meet, but he’s on the verge of turning things to his favor, if only the Duke of Lamont, who’s attending a House Party at his neighbor´s estate would take interest in his fine breed and best race horse Blackstorm. His family’s well-being depends on his success.
Elizabeth (Elle) Carter, the daughter of a Viscount, never imagined she would lose her sheltered life and status in society, after her father, and later his brother’s, ill-managing of their fortune. Her dowry is gone, and thankfully, she has found a job as a governess to three children of a well-respected family of the ton. Even if she has a roof over her head and her needs met, her life will never be the same as she will never find a suitable husband in her new lower station, and the sting of rejection awaits her at every turn.
But when she attends a House Party with the family that employs her, she is quickly attracted to the mysterious owner of the neighboring estate. But she’s surprised to find out he attends to his own horses, as a groom and owner at the same time, she realizes he’s not the wealthy man she dreams of marrying, even if he’s always the gentleman, and his kind heart and simplicity calls to her more than anyone she has ever met.
Philip realizes Miss Carter can aid him in enticing the Duke to buy his best horse before the Party ends, and tries to get her attention and asks for her help. As they both get to know each other, a budding friendship blossoms between them with a fast growing attraction that surprises both. But is it too late, when he realizes she’s more than an ally in reaching his professional goals?
As the Party reaches an end, and separation is imminent, they both must decide what is most important for them: status, prestige, security, or the love that comes once in a lifetime?
This is a very worthy read. I loved the characters: Elle’s kind heart and her struggle in belonging, her love of the children; Philip’s determination to succeed and make a way for his family, his simplicity and his kind heart too. I loved the children Elle had to take care of, especially four-year-old Sophia’s antics and love of horses. Philip and Elle both faced rejection from high society, but they grow better and more compassionate to others from it. The romance is very sweet; they fall for each other fast, but I loved that everything was clean and tender. There’s an inspiring message behind about what’s important in life and about where worthiness come from.
I definitely recommend this book to Regency Romance lovers! It’s a delightful and sweet read!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 28, 2025
Philip is a son of a stable master who came into an estate and is trying his best to start a horse farm; it is known in his county, but he wants to be among one of the best in England. He struggles the balance between lack of funds, taking care of his family, and fixing up the estate. To say he is under a lot of pressure, is not enough; he has to prove to everyone that he is no longer just a servant.
Elizabeth had to take a position of a governess because when her father died leaving her and her brother orphans, he left the estate in shambles. Her brother took over what was left of the estate, the title, while she had no other means of supporting herself other than to take a ‘lowly’ position. She is with a family to continue to educate and take care of the children as they attend a house party in Somerset. She meets Philip at this house party when there is a cricket match; she immediately feels an attraction to him. He notices her too.
They always seem to find a way of meeting, especially through the children who love to visit his stables and interact with his horses. Elizabeth notices he’s different than any of the other estate owners. The more she learns about him, the more her heart opens up to him, and she can’t help but compare all the gentry around her to him, learning firsthand of the snobbery and the treatment of the lower classes. She starts to learn she is no better than any of them; it begins to weigh on her conscious.
Philip is still leery from a broken heart years before and is shy to open up his heart to anyone, but the more he and Elizabeth are together and learns about her, the more he can’t help but be drawn to her, and slowly realizes his feelings for her.
This book has been my least favorite of all the Regency Romances that I’ve read; I found myself skimming paragraphs waiting for scenes to develop and certain actions have passed. Philip, at least to me, could be immature and manipulative. Elizabeth could put on airs and think herself better than the lower classes because her father had a title and she was brought up as a lady. They both were not likeable, and neither were the minor characters. Speaking of which, the dialogue of the children was completely unrealistic, the six-year-old spoke like an adult, and the three-year-old spoke like a two-year-old who was barely capable of making sounds.
As to the conclusion of everything was somewhat mixed for me. Things that were supposed to be twists came up just for the sake of putting them in the story, the conclusions of those were lackluster. It was all superfluous in order to make the HEA with more flare. The Epilogue was dumb too. I feel bad about leaving a 2** review, but the longer I think about it, the less I like it. I guess I expected too much from it. It had so much potential but left me feeling disappointed.
Elizabeth had to take a position of a governess because when her father died leaving her and her brother orphans, he left the estate in shambles. Her brother took over what was left of the estate, the title, while she had no other means of supporting herself other than to take a ‘lowly’ position. She is with a family to continue to educate and take care of the children as they attend a house party in Somerset. She meets Philip at this house party when there is a cricket match; she immediately feels an attraction to him. He notices her too.
They always seem to find a way of meeting, especially through the children who love to visit his stables and interact with his horses. Elizabeth notices he’s different than any of the other estate owners. The more she learns about him, the more her heart opens up to him, and she can’t help but compare all the gentry around her to him, learning firsthand of the snobbery and the treatment of the lower classes. She starts to learn she is no better than any of them; it begins to weigh on her conscious.
Philip is still leery from a broken heart years before and is shy to open up his heart to anyone, but the more he and Elizabeth are together and learns about her, the more he can’t help but be drawn to her, and slowly realizes his feelings for her.
This book has been my least favorite of all the Regency Romances that I’ve read; I found myself skimming paragraphs waiting for scenes to develop and certain actions have passed. Philip, at least to me, could be immature and manipulative. Elizabeth could put on airs and think herself better than the lower classes because her father had a title and she was brought up as a lady. They both were not likeable, and neither were the minor characters. Speaking of which, the dialogue of the children was completely unrealistic, the six-year-old spoke like an adult, and the three-year-old spoke like a two-year-old who was barely capable of making sounds.
As to the conclusion of everything was somewhat mixed for me. Things that were supposed to be twists came up just for the sake of putting them in the story, the conclusions of those were lackluster. It was all superfluous in order to make the HEA with more flare. The Epilogue was dumb too. I feel bad about leaving a 2** review, but the longer I think about it, the less I like it. I guess I expected too much from it. It had so much potential but left me feeling disappointed.
November 10, 2021
Phillip Jenkins is a young man who is trying to provide a better life for his family and himself. With little money, a cast-off estate, and a stableful of excellent horses, Phillip is determined to make a name for himself among the peerage as a breeder. However, he is going to need some help in keeping his name before the Ton in order to sell his fine horses. Miss Elizabeth Carter, a former Society member, knows many of the men who Phillip is trying to conclude important business transactions. It is a matter of timeliness in order to make ends meet and continue with his horse breeding. Phillip meets Elle and befriends her and what at first would have been a means to keep some of the lords interested, becomes more as he and Elle get to know each other.
Elle was a truly giving person as she tries to help Phillip. She humbles herself and creates a way to talk to one of the lords about his interest in one of Phillip’s horses. Because of the somewhat obvious way that she bumps into him, Lord Larmont interprets this to mean she is interested in him. As a peer, Lord Larmont uses his title and money to get everything he wants and is determined to marry Elle. He was boorish and demeaning to her, only wanting her to be an asset to him. He didn’t really care about her as a person, just what she would do to make him look good. Elle has a life impacting decision to make. Will she choose certain financial security and marry Lord Larmont?
Ms. Strunk wrote a heart-warming story of the working class of Society. I thought the contrast between some of the entitled peerage and those of the working class was well done. It’s unique since we get to see what it might have been like to depend upon the aristocracy for your livelihood. I recommend this book if you like historical novels and/or Regency Romance. This is the second book of the Sons of Somerset series, but can be read as a standalone.
Elle was a truly giving person as she tries to help Phillip. She humbles herself and creates a way to talk to one of the lords about his interest in one of Phillip’s horses. Because of the somewhat obvious way that she bumps into him, Lord Larmont interprets this to mean she is interested in him. As a peer, Lord Larmont uses his title and money to get everything he wants and is determined to marry Elle. He was boorish and demeaning to her, only wanting her to be an asset to him. He didn’t really care about her as a person, just what she would do to make him look good. Elle has a life impacting decision to make. Will she choose certain financial security and marry Lord Larmont?
Ms. Strunk wrote a heart-warming story of the working class of Society. I thought the contrast between some of the entitled peerage and those of the working class was well done. It’s unique since we get to see what it might have been like to depend upon the aristocracy for your livelihood. I recommend this book if you like historical novels and/or Regency Romance. This is the second book of the Sons of Somerset series, but can be read as a standalone.
September 11, 2024
Liked: Main female character was realistic to me. Some times this genre is guilty of making it seem like all the Victorian/regency people cared about was love. So they make decisions that are very modern. I liked the progression of the main character. The emotion I had during the engagement rejection was palpable. That part was well written.
Disliked: the writing was choppy to me. There were good transitions sometimes. For instance, you were just supposed to know that Elizabeth was Elle. There was a redundancy to the writing that I think border on too repetitive. It seems like a fine balance for authors to mention it enough to help the forgetful reader and so much that it seems like the narrator has Alzheimer’s and is repeating him or herself. Was surprised the children she is governess to are not mentioned again. The reconciliation between the main characters seemed to happen too fast. The book is building to this moment and in a few pages it’s wrapped up
Girl’s brother fraudulently sells her dowery, and lies to her making her think her father had put it in bad investments. She takes a job as a governess thinking there was no money in her family. Stable master lives next door. Has been hurt before by a woman of the ton. They meet each other by happenstance a few times and fall in love. He is desperate to sell his horses, so bungles some of their encounters. In an effort to help him she flirts with a Duke at the house party she is at as a governess, to find out if the Duke plans to buy a horse. Duke proposes marriage to her. She accepts as she is looking for stability and financial solvency. Eventually she realizes the Duke provides those for her, but he doesn’t respect her. She breaks the engagement and return to Philip, who forgives her.
Disliked: the writing was choppy to me. There were good transitions sometimes. For instance, you were just supposed to know that Elizabeth was Elle. There was a redundancy to the writing that I think border on too repetitive. It seems like a fine balance for authors to mention it enough to help the forgetful reader and so much that it seems like the narrator has Alzheimer’s and is repeating him or herself. Was surprised the children she is governess to are not mentioned again. The reconciliation between the main characters seemed to happen too fast. The book is building to this moment and in a few pages it’s wrapped up
Girl’s brother fraudulently sells her dowery, and lies to her making her think her father had put it in bad investments. She takes a job as a governess thinking there was no money in her family. Stable master lives next door. Has been hurt before by a woman of the ton. They meet each other by happenstance a few times and fall in love. He is desperate to sell his horses, so bungles some of their encounters. In an effort to help him she flirts with a Duke at the house party she is at as a governess, to find out if the Duke plans to buy a horse. Duke proposes marriage to her. She accepts as she is looking for stability and financial solvency. Eventually she realizes the Duke provides those for her, but he doesn’t respect her. She breaks the engagement and return to Philip, who forgives her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2021
Working Man or Gentry?
Both Elizabeth and Edmund are caught in the world between the Gentry and the working class, and not quite fitting into either one of the strictly outlined classes can be a lonely and precarious place to be. Love is the last thing they need as they navigate the uncertainties of their lives…or is it? Unmistakably drawn to each other, they must decide if they can fit into this in-between world together. This slow unfolding romance kept me turning the pages and hoping for the best. Elizabeth makes surprising choices that are both frustrating and logical, but in the end, both protagonists reveal the deep strength required to defy social expectations in favor of more important matters.
The writing wasn’t necessarily fancy, but the story lingered awhile and settled after the last page was turned—something I’ve come to appreciate as not all tales have the power to do that. It changed me just a little bit for the better, and I’m grateful I took the time to read it.
Both Elizabeth and Edmund are caught in the world between the Gentry and the working class, and not quite fitting into either one of the strictly outlined classes can be a lonely and precarious place to be. Love is the last thing they need as they navigate the uncertainties of their lives…or is it? Unmistakably drawn to each other, they must decide if they can fit into this in-between world together. This slow unfolding romance kept me turning the pages and hoping for the best. Elizabeth makes surprising choices that are both frustrating and logical, but in the end, both protagonists reveal the deep strength required to defy social expectations in favor of more important matters.
The writing wasn’t necessarily fancy, but the story lingered awhile and settled after the last page was turned—something I’ve come to appreciate as not all tales have the power to do that. It changed me just a little bit for the better, and I’m grateful I took the time to read it.
November 20, 2021
Smitten as a kitten!
I loved the stable master’s son, Philip. Ms Strunk depicted him as a hard worker who loved his horses. It was his goal to make a name for himself and his stables by breeding and taking high quality care of his horses. I truly wished the best for him as I read his story. Elizabeth was a daughter of nobility but due to dire straits after her father died, Elizabeth ended up as a governess. She loved the two children she cared for and wanted only the best for their futures. She also cared for their younger sister, Sophia, from time to time since she was too much of a handful for her nursemaid. She met Philip while chasing down Sophia who loved the “hosees”. She was just sooo adorable! I appreciated reading the two POVs of Elizabeth and Philip. We read of their hidden feelings for each other and their thought processes which at times either made my heart soar or break. Ms Strunk wrote in a few twists in her plots just to keep the story interesting which worked for me.
I loved the stable master’s son, Philip. Ms Strunk depicted him as a hard worker who loved his horses. It was his goal to make a name for himself and his stables by breeding and taking high quality care of his horses. I truly wished the best for him as I read his story. Elizabeth was a daughter of nobility but due to dire straits after her father died, Elizabeth ended up as a governess. She loved the two children she cared for and wanted only the best for their futures. She also cared for their younger sister, Sophia, from time to time since she was too much of a handful for her nursemaid. She met Philip while chasing down Sophia who loved the “hosees”. She was just sooo adorable! I appreciated reading the two POVs of Elizabeth and Philip. We read of their hidden feelings for each other and their thought processes which at times either made my heart soar or break. Ms Strunk wrote in a few twists in her plots just to keep the story interesting which worked for me.
September 17, 2023
Okay friends. This book has been on my TBR list for ages, and all I would like to know is why in the world did it take me so long to read it?? The Stable Master's Son is such a cute story!!
I love how unique this story is (and the entire series, really). I mean, a whole series about working class men in Regency England?! Yes please! With so many of the stories set in this period of time about folks in the upper classes, it was a nice change of pace to read about characters in the working class.
Elle and Phillip were also the cutest. They were both such likable characters that I couldn't help but cheer for them from the start. I loved how kind, caring, and determined they both were. Elle and Phillip were so perfect for each other.
Also, I'm pretty sure the Duke of Larmont deserved a good kick to the shins. And Elle's brother Robert. He needed a kick to the shins as well.
Moral of the story here, friends, is that you should most definitely add this book to your TBR list if you haven't read it already, because it's a good one that you don't want to miss. I have spoken.
I love how unique this story is (and the entire series, really). I mean, a whole series about working class men in Regency England?! Yes please! With so many of the stories set in this period of time about folks in the upper classes, it was a nice change of pace to read about characters in the working class.
Elle and Phillip were also the cutest. They were both such likable characters that I couldn't help but cheer for them from the start. I loved how kind, caring, and determined they both were. Elle and Phillip were so perfect for each other.
Also, I'm pretty sure the Duke of Larmont deserved a good kick to the shins. And Elle's brother Robert. He needed a kick to the shins as well.
Moral of the story here, friends, is that you should most definitely add this book to your TBR list if you haven't read it already, because it's a good one that you don't want to miss. I have spoken.
November 4, 2021
Enjoyable read, more character development would be nice
I enjoyed the book and found it to be an easy and relaxing read. However, I would have enjoyed more character development; especially between the two main characters. It almost seemed as if they met a few times and were suddenly in love. There were very few conversations with just the two of them, and I can only recall three times when they spoke together before deciding they lived each other. On top of that, the development of the individual characters was somewhat weak. I think Elizabeth's character was a little more developed than Philip's but both characters were still somewhat weak.
Despite all of this, sometimes reading something which is quick and lighthearted is enjoyable. I liked the book and the story was fun, I doubt however, that it's one I'll read over and over.
I enjoyed the book and found it to be an easy and relaxing read. However, I would have enjoyed more character development; especially between the two main characters. It almost seemed as if they met a few times and were suddenly in love. There were very few conversations with just the two of them, and I can only recall three times when they spoke together before deciding they lived each other. On top of that, the development of the individual characters was somewhat weak. I think Elizabeth's character was a little more developed than Philip's but both characters were still somewhat weak.
Despite all of this, sometimes reading something which is quick and lighthearted is enjoyable. I liked the book and the story was fun, I doubt however, that it's one I'll read over and over.
August 13, 2021
Too many of the things I want to talk about in this review would be spoilers so I shall not go into those details. I did like the main characters who were good people. Elle's goodness was shown by the love and respect of the children over which she was governess as well as their parents. Philip goodness showed in that his father was willing to work under him (which also makes the title of the book a little deceptive since it sounds like Philip should be the underling). It was an enjoyable read and kind of fun that the focus was on middle class type people instead of the ton.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this good and voluntarily chose to review it.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this good and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 16, 2021
Lovely story
I like a regency that tells the side of a side you hardly see in this genre. A working class man and his hard work and to make his own way in life. Philip Jenkins gets the spotlight in this book. The son of a stable master, he gets a run down estate and tries his hand at making a name for himself in the horse breeding world. He meets Elizabeth Carter, a viscount daughter turned governess, and they immediately like each other. But a rogue duke, a terrible brother, and societal expectations try to keep these two from a happily ever after. I loved the writing and these two characters. I love that Elizabeth finds her self worth isn’t tied to what others think it should be. I enjoyed the conflicts and the romance.
I like a regency that tells the side of a side you hardly see in this genre. A working class man and his hard work and to make his own way in life. Philip Jenkins gets the spotlight in this book. The son of a stable master, he gets a run down estate and tries his hand at making a name for himself in the horse breeding world. He meets Elizabeth Carter, a viscount daughter turned governess, and they immediately like each other. But a rogue duke, a terrible brother, and societal expectations try to keep these two from a happily ever after. I loved the writing and these two characters. I love that Elizabeth finds her self worth isn’t tied to what others think it should be. I enjoyed the conflicts and the romance.
August 19, 2021
Phillip Jenkins, owner of a struggling horse breeding and training stable, fought to keep his tenants and stables cared for. Finally, he had excellent horses to sell! Elizabeth Carter, daughter of a Viscount, found herself impoverished upon the death of her father. Fortunately she was able to secure a position as a governess. Accompanying her employers and their children to a house party, she and Phillip meet, setting the stage for our story.
A charming story wherein our Hero nearly loses his woman to a man of title and means, who could give her every comfort. How she came to value Philip, and he value her, makes this an enjoyable read with a happy ending. Clean and appropriate for readers of all ages.
A charming story wherein our Hero nearly loses his woman to a man of title and means, who could give her every comfort. How she came to value Philip, and he value her, makes this an enjoyable read with a happy ending. Clean and appropriate for readers of all ages.
August 23, 2021
The story was good enough. There were just a lot of issues with how society worked back then. Perhaps I'm wrong, but in other books I see governesses addressing their charges as "Miss" and "Master" plus the first name, rather than "Lady" and "Lord" first name. I also had a hard time remembering the kids were aged 2 and 6 because they acted much older and were addressed as if adults.
Besides the issues with the representation of the time period, there are other inconsistencies. For example, the main female character badly sprains her ankle and the doctor tells her to stay off of it completely for a month. Of course, she ends up having to hobble around too often, and yet her ankle heals enough in a couple of weeks to be usable.
Besides the issues with the representation of the time period, there are other inconsistencies. For example, the main female character badly sprains her ankle and the doctor tells her to stay off of it completely for a month. Of course, she ends up having to hobble around too often, and yet her ankle heals enough in a couple of weeks to be usable.
September 15, 2021
Fun series
Overall I found this story to be a good read. I love the passage "paths are not about the here and now. They are about the future. Do you really wish to be the same person in 5 years, or ten? Each path we take gives us new challenges - new opportunities for growth. It shapes us into who we will become." I genuinely liked the H & h. I liked their interactions. This is a fun series to simply enjoy and I have the next one downloaded. I do wish more of the relationship with the h & her brother went deeper. We do get resolution. I just felt the unfairness of what happened and felt a little like it was glossed over. However, who knows given the times that might been how it would happen exactly.
Overall I found this story to be a good read. I love the passage "paths are not about the here and now. They are about the future. Do you really wish to be the same person in 5 years, or ten? Each path we take gives us new challenges - new opportunities for growth. It shapes us into who we will become." I genuinely liked the H & h. I liked their interactions. This is a fun series to simply enjoy and I have the next one downloaded. I do wish more of the relationship with the h & her brother went deeper. We do get resolution. I just felt the unfairness of what happened and felt a little like it was glossed over. However, who knows given the times that might been how it would happen exactly.
August 18, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story about Elle (Elizabeth) Carter and Phillip Jenkins. I found myself very caught up in their budding friendship and looked forward to their encounters as much as they did. All the characters, main and supporting were delightful. There was an unexpected turn of events near the end but it added to the depth of the main characters feelings toward each other. The only thing I did not fully enjoy was how much Phillip rehearsed his need to sell his horses and his desire to prove himself. I understand it but it was hit upon quite often. It was a sweet, clean romance which I very much liked.
September 2, 2021
Yay for the Stablemaster's Son
I loved that this wasn't a typical regency about Lords and Ladies dancing and chatting. They were present, but not central. Won't give all the background that got them there, but he wasn't always a landowner and she wasn't always servant class. Things happen and she's governess to the children of a family attending a house party at an estate next to his place where he's trying to get his horse breeding business off the ground.
The mis-communications are plentiful but the kindness and gentleness and caring for others really made me care for them. I loved this story.
I loved that this wasn't a typical regency about Lords and Ladies dancing and chatting. They were present, but not central. Won't give all the background that got them there, but he wasn't always a landowner and she wasn't always servant class. Things happen and she's governess to the children of a family attending a house party at an estate next to his place where he's trying to get his horse breeding business off the ground.
The mis-communications are plentiful but the kindness and gentleness and caring for others really made me care for them. I loved this story.
September 4, 2021
4.5 Stars, I think this may be a new favorite by this author for her Regency romances for me.
I really enjoyed not only the characters, but the messages in this book about what happiness really is, love verses wealth and status, etc.
It was refreshing to have the story revolve around a working man who had moved up to a gentleman in society (though they did not fully embrace him) and a woman of the Ton who had been lowered in station. The stable kiss was fantastic and I definitely was cheering for Philip and Elle.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is a clean Regency romance.
I really enjoyed not only the characters, but the messages in this book about what happiness really is, love verses wealth and status, etc.
It was refreshing to have the story revolve around a working man who had moved up to a gentleman in society (though they did not fully embrace him) and a woman of the Ton who had been lowered in station. The stable kiss was fantastic and I definitely was cheering for Philip and Elle.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is a clean Regency romance.
September 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how Philip and Elizabeth had to figure out what was most important to them. I liked that they had to learn from things that happened in the past in order to move forward and be with each other. I also liked how Elizabeth figured out that her happiness was more important that what other people wanted. I also liked how neither one of them wanted to fall in love but in the end it was the best thing for them.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
January 14, 2022
I believe I am going to enjoy this new series of Regency romances. They are sweet, and maybe a little bit fluffy, but they are clean, light reads.
It's always interesting to read a story set in a different era, because you get a feel for the frustrations that people had dealing with so many restrictions and expectations.
This series is a nice switch up from the usual Earls or Dukes winning the hand of a Fair Maid, here we have a trades person at the center of the story and we get to learn about how they have to navigate society's expectations.
If nothing else, it makes me grateful for the liberties that we enjoy now as we navigate life.
It's always interesting to read a story set in a different era, because you get a feel for the frustrations that people had dealing with so many restrictions and expectations.
This series is a nice switch up from the usual Earls or Dukes winning the hand of a Fair Maid, here we have a trades person at the center of the story and we get to learn about how they have to navigate society's expectations.
If nothing else, it makes me grateful for the liberties that we enjoy now as we navigate life.
September 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this book.
Phillip is a gentleman with a fire destroyed estate, a stable of fine horses, a chance to make his name and barely two coins to run together. He’s self made. I liked him very much. He’s close to his family who all live with him.
Elle is the daughter of a viscount, in drastically reduced circumstances. She’s now a hired governess.
I liked that this book took their circumstances into consideration and the story was well told because of their social standings.
Recommend.
Phillip is a gentleman with a fire destroyed estate, a stable of fine horses, a chance to make his name and barely two coins to run together. He’s self made. I liked him very much. He’s close to his family who all live with him.
Elle is the daughter of a viscount, in drastically reduced circumstances. She’s now a hired governess.
I liked that this book took their circumstances into consideration and the story was well told because of their social standings.
Recommend.
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